The earliest rabbiteye harvest
Premier Blueberry
Rabbiteye · Zones 7–9 · Early for a rabbiteye
Young plant, typical range
Typically $18–28 for a young plant at US nurseries — checked October 23, 2026
Where to buy Plan its pollination partner
Rabbiteyes need cross-pollination from a different rabbiteye variety — they are not self-fruitful the way highbush types mostly are — and Premier is the early anchor of the classic trio. Vigorous, upright and productive across the Southeast. Always plant it with Brightwell, Tifblue or Powderblue nearby.
Specifications
| Type | Rabbiteye |
| USDA zones | 7–9 |
| Chill hours | ~550 hours below 45°F (sources vary slightly by nursery stock — confirm with your seller) |
| Harvest season | Early for a rabbiteye |
| Mature size | 6–8 ft tall |
| Berry | Large |
| Flavor (nursery descriptions) | Sweet, good quality |
| Expected yield | Mature rabbiteye commonly 12–20 lb per bush in the Southeast |
| Container suitable | Better in the ground; very large pots only |
Pollination
Rabbiteye varieties are not self-fruitful: plant at least two different rabbiteye varieties that bloom together, or expect very little fruit.
Good partners for Premier:
- Brightwell — Rabbiteye, Mid, zones 7–9
- Tifblue — Rabbiteye, Mid to late, zones 7–9
Before you plant
- Soil pH 4.5–5.5, tested before planting — the pH guide
- Full sun (6–8+ hours) and soil that never sits soggy
- Space highbush 4–5 ft apart, rabbiteye 5–6 ft, dwarfs 2–3 ft — planner
- Remove flowers in year one so the bush builds roots, not a handful of berries
Not sure Premier fits your yard?
Run the Variety Finder with your zone and space — it only recommends varieties whose chill hours and size actually match.